Planning to do Bolivia-Peru-Chile: Buy in the perfect country ???
 

Hello in here and respect for that nice forum.
It already helped me, and now I also would like to post a question.
There are already similar questions but most of them are quite old and maybe, something changed in the last two years, which may be interesting to know/mention in here.

Short story:

• I want to do some south american countries, by motorbike, very likely, that I am alone.

• Most likely they will be Bolivia, Peru, Chile ( depends on the next questions and their answers).

• I want to buy a cheap, small 150cc dirtbike, just big enough to put my backpack on it.

• Which of my mentioned countries allow me to cross to each other two ( if at all) ?

• If 4 = "all three countries allow bordercrossing", then: In which of those countries is it "pretty easy and fast" to get the bike registered as a tourist ?

Of the 3 countries, Chile is NOT the cheapest. Bolivia is the cheapest, but difficult (as in illegal, but it is done) for non-resident foreigners. Peru (where I live) is the simplest for foreigners on a tourist visa, but still can take 3-4 weeks on a new motorcycle.

NEVER buy a small used motorcycle in any of these countries as it most likely not even in the name of the person selling it to you! That and the horrendous repairs (the worst are the ones not seen on the outside!) done to bikes in South America, you can't count on it to travel!

PM for best options in Peru.

@Tobi


Bolivia is the cheapest, but difficult (as in illegal, but it is done) for non-resident foreigners

.... sorry not true for the illegal part, as a non-resident foreigner you can legally register a bike in your Name in Bolivia - new is easiest - used is difficult and can be very expensive and time consuming.


NEVER buy a small used motorcycle in any of these countries as it most likely not even in the name of the person selling it to you! That and the horrendous repairs (the worst are the ones not seen on the outside!) done to bikes in South America, you can't count on it to travel!

so true !!!


mika

I stand corrected on that. Must be a new rule! How long does it take?

:mchappy::mchappy::mchappy:

+10000

We met a couple from France who actually did it and sold the bike after finishing their trip in Colombia. Bought it new in La Paz.

I already did that twice in Vietnam. both times my scooter wrecked down during my ride, and once I need to let it repair in Vietnam, the other time in Cambodia.... I really do not need a new bike, as it would never be worth it, because I also want to get rid of it and sell it to someone before leaving the continent. So besides Your warnings about "do not buy cheap used motorbikes" and besides my experience, maybe some people from here, knowing some reliable sources down there can establish contact or something.

My idea would be: Either I start in Lima down to Puno, Titicaca, La Paz and then the salt-fields..... or I start in Lapaz going from there to Lima. Where it is most easy and cheap, THOUGH reliable to buy and register a motorbike will be my starting point.... so all of You recommend Peru ?

I recommend Peru as I can do it for you and save you the 3 weeks you would have to wait if you did it yourself.

:mchappy::mchappy::mchappy:

This sounds damn nice, this would be my second question: Is there a service, which can do the registration in advance so that I simply can arrive and hop on the bike and ride.
Seems as if You can do it, perfect.

Ok, for a used, more or less cheap, but reliable dirtbike, similar a tornado including the registration and all costs, what Do You think, would be the total price ? OR, Do You know people or agencies, which offer renting in country A and dropping in country B?

Motorbike_r,

I sent you an email via the one you have registered here.

Toby

Hi,
@charapashanperu, could I also get the info about the price? ;) We would like to buy 2 150cc bikes and ride them arround South America for at least a year. And sell them after. We still cannot decide where to start - Peru, Chile - depends on the price.....
Thank you ;)

Chile is a good option
 

I was in Chile in May and looked into buying a bike. Finally my one was shipped from New Zealand so I didn't buy however. I found that buying from a dealer is reasonably easy. They will help with the paperwork. I can recommend Fredy at Colvin & Colvin in Santiago. They are a reputable company. There are other options to buy local or even bikes from other travelers. Not cheap but can be done.